Solar Power Protection: Your Skin & Sunscreen

We know how important sun protection is through summer, but did you know that sun exposure even in the fall and winter can lead to wrinkles and sun spots? Let’s find out why it’s so important to wear sunscreen all year round.

Why it’s important to use sunscreen

These days sunscreen goes into the beach bag without a second thought. But do we always remember to wear sunscreen when out for a run or sitting next to the window in the office?

Whenever we expose our skin to the sun, we need sunscreen to help us reduce the risk of early skin aging from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB.

UVB rays cause sunburn — the burn will be painful and you will see the redness on your skin. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to long-term effects like wrinkling and premature aging. Both types of ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology,1 one in five Americans will develop skin cancer before the age of 70. Applying sunscreen daily, when combined with other sun protection measures, helps reduce your chances of getting skin cancer.

UV rays are just as harmful during the winter as they are in the summer. What’s more, UVA rays can penetrate window glass. This means you are exposed to harmful rays during your drive to work and even at your desk if your office is filled with natural light. While you might not think it, UV rays are especially harmful on snowy days, since the rays are multiplied by the reflective nature of the snow.

How sunscreen works to protect your skin

A daily multi-protection sunscreen not only helps protect your skin from the sun, it also locks out pollution and free radicals – forming an invisible shield that minimizes the appearance of dark spots and decreases the risk of early signs of skin aging. Try a broad spectrum, oil-free, light-weight formula for best-wearing results underneath makeup.

When choosing a sunscreen, you’ll notice that each tube displays an SPF number. This stands for Sun Protection Factor. It’s an indication of the product's ability to block rays, and the amount of time you can be in the sun before burning. SPF ratings start at 2 and can reach as high as 70. For example, if you burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure without any cream, an SPF of 15 will allow you to stay in the sun for up to 150 minutes without burning.

The best way to use sunscreen

Check your sunscreen’s expiration date before applying. Replace if it’s past its expiration date to ensure you get the most from your daily sunscreen. To minimize the visible signs of photoaging and dark spots, use in this way for best results: